Hello! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in western Pennsylvania. I received my master's degree from Westminster College (PA) in 2021 and bachelor's degree from Slippery Rock University in 2018. I currently work as an LPC at a nonprofit outpatient mental health organization during the day, and see clients through Grow during the evenings. I enjoy helping others be the best versions of themselves and watching them be able to overcome life's toughest obstacles.
Generally, our first session would involve discussing basic background information and the reasons that you have decided to seek mental health treatment. An informal diagnostic process would occur, which would consist of exploring symptoms. Your goals for treatment would be discussed and identified as well. The most important part of the first session is that we establish a connection. It is of the utmost importance that you feel as comfortable as possible moving forward with treatment.
I take the time to get to know my clients as well as possible, and I am always eager to hear new perspectives and experiences. If a person is hesitant with receiving mental health treatment, I help welcome them to therapy with openness and acceptance, as well as relating on a personal level. I aim to treat the person as a whole, rather than treating individual symptoms.
This is (and has always been) my main method of treatment. CBT can be applied in a wide variety of issues.
Psychoeducation can be incredibly important in alleviating mental health symptoms. The more we understand what is happening to us due to mental health issues, the more we can normalize and accept within ourselves.
I do not often use reality therapy, but it stays in my repertoire for appropriate situations. It is a black-and-white, concrete approach to psychotherapy which focuses on outcomes rather than alleviation of symptoms. Reality therapy posits that every person needs power, love, freedom, fun, and survival in order to function in a desirable way.
The eclectic approach is the most important treatment method in my practice. Specific treatment methods can be generalized and generic, and as we know, human beings are incredibly complex creatures, each with their own perception of reality. The eclectic approach allows me to combine elements of specific treatment methods in order to help you in the most effective way possible.
*ATTENTION* *It is important to note that I do not do Christian counseling specifically!* However, I do believe that one's faith is a great way to foster hope in your life and to give a person a general direction. Discussions of faith during sessions with me are always welcome but not absolutely necessary. I encourage you to feel free to discuss your faith with me if you feel compelled.